Spotify are cracking down on subscribers using hacked apps, which use modded versions of the software to provide free access to premium features. Torrent Freak reported that the streaming giant have sent out warning emails to users with hacked accounts.

The email states, “we detected abnormal activity on the app you are using so we have disabled it. Don’t worry - your Spotify account is safe”. Whilst users have not been banned yet, Spotify has warned that further breaches of the terms of use will result in account suspension or termination. The accounts which have been disabled by Spotify can be reactivated once the unauthorised app has been deleted.

Spotify has around 88 million users registered to its free ad-supported service, which includes limitations such as shuffle-play. Hacking apps which have been available online have allowed users to access the Spotify service without these limitations. Spotify’s crack down comes as it prepares to go public. With 159 million users around the world, including 71 million paid premium subscribers, it remains the global streaming leader (TalentAI).

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